More on Stress and the 70+ Body
By Oliver Broudy
“Natural ways to tamp down the stress effect”
Stress Defined : To perceive that a task has overwhelmed your ability to complete that task, says Daniel Kirsch, president of the American Institute of Stress.
Below are some of Kirsch’s best tips:
- ASK FOR HELP
Accept that you need help
- TAKE A STRESS BREAK
Unplug your brain
EXAMPLE
When you sit down to breakfast, just concentrate on enjoying your breakfast, don’t plan your whole day
- USE QUIET RELAXING
*Smile inwardly – it tells your body that all is well
*Inhale one deep breath and imagine hot air is coming up through the bottom of your feet, through your body and filling your lungs
*Exhale slowly and image the hot air going from your lungs back through your body and out the bottom of your feet
- WALK
Motion is a great stress releaser
Helps break any stress cycle you may be locked into
Options:
Walk outside
Walk on a treadmill
Walk a few laps around the inside of your house
- VOLUNTEER
Taking time to help others is a great stress reliever
Feeling the satisfaction of helping others combined with social interaction reduces the feeling of loneliness
- MAKE YOUR BED
Kirsch says this is great stress management advise
“The first thing you should do each day is make your bed. It gives you a sense of control from the start.” – Stephen Perrine –